The Adult Programs Intern, made possible by the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, will spend approximately 28 weeks working an average of 15 hours per week in the Education Department, assisting the Adult Programs Coordinator with all aspects of planning and implementing exhibition related programs, specifically, a two-day symposium organized by VMFA. The symposium, Picturing the Black Racial Imaginary (Jan. 26 & 27, 2024), will complement the exhibition Dawoud Bey: Elegy (opening at the museum Nov. 2023). The Adult Programs Intern will also assist the Education Programs Team with planning the opening artist talk in Nov., art history classes, and other related programming.

Responsibilities include:

Assisting the Adult Programs Coordinator with writing content for and tracking marketing, promotional, and social media materials.
Working with the Marketing & Communications Department to help develop and implement the social media plan.
Assisting the Coordinator with meeting planning, and drafting communications to speakers and community partners.
Working with the Coordinator to ensure that signage requests for all programs and the Symposium have been submitted and proofs checked.
Assisting the Coordinator with all aspects of the printed Symposium agenda, helping obtain speakers’ program/bio./information, and preparing administrative forms for submitting program information to be posted on VMFA’s website.
Working closely with the Coordinator to create Function Plan forms and detailed work plans for programs and the Symposium.
Assisting with checking PowerPoints and other digital files to be given to the Audio/Visual Department, and attending Audio/Visual checks and rehearsals.

The Adult Programs Intern will learn about careers in museum and art education, gaining hands-on experience with program implementation for adult audiences, and collaborating with other VMFA departments. The Intern will also be responsible for presenting learning and work results to VMFA staff and when appropriate a wider audience, and share experiences with peers and community members to promote VMFA and opportunities in museum education.

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate should have:

Strong customer service skills and the ability to communicate with a variety of audiences both orally and in writing.
Experience using Microsoft Office Suite and other computer programs.
Excellent organizational skills.
A willingness to learn, take initiative, and jump in where needed to support team efforts.

Additional Considerations

The ideal candidate will be in their third or fourth year of undergraduate studies with an interest in a potential career in museum education, museum studies, education, community outreach, or a similar field.

This is intended to be a Fall 2023 internship with some carry over into January and possibly early February 2024. The successful applicant should plan to be available to work the entire Symposium, including set up and breakdown Fri., Jan. 26, 2024, from 3:00-10:00 p.m., and Sat., Jan. 27, 2024, from 8:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

The selected candidate must pass a criminal history background check.

Special Instructions

This position is open to the general public. Candidates need to apply through the Commonwealth of Virginia job website, which can be accessed at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov. Application deadline is Sept. 3, at 11:55 p.m.

All applications should include a cover letter and résumé that includes a list of three professional or educational references. Candidates are encouraged to include a copy of transcripts (unofficial are fine) and a brief writing sample.

VMFA is an EEO/AA and Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer.